Evelyn J. Smith, age 61, of Elgin, IL, passed away on October 27, 2022.  She was born March 18, 1961 in Aberdeen, MS to her loving parents, Johnny and Leona (née Hodges) Walker Sr.

Evelyn graduated from Martin Luther King Jr. High School, and Malcolm X College.  She worked as a nursing assistant for 40 years.

Evelyn met Tommie Smith outside of a corner store in 1985, and they wed in 2001.  They were married for 21 years.

Evelyn was hardworking, tougher than a $2 steak, and didn't take any mess.  She was witty with colorful language, and was also selfless and caring.  She loved helping others.

Evelyn had a very resilient spirit.  The family lovingly remembers the day she found out she was officially cancer free and wanted to celebrate at McDonald's.

Evelyn enjoyed watching her beloved Bulls and Bears, and also complaining about them both.  She adored being around her grandchildren, and loved talking to her sisters.  Not a day went by without her watching Criminal Minds, Law & Order SVU, and some reality shows, and reading her Bible.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, Johnny Walker Sr. and Leona Hodges; sisters, Barbara Jean Walker and Sarah Ellis; and husband, Tommie Smith.

She is survived by her children, Michael (Angela) Walker, Jacques Smith, and Asia Smith; siblings, Johnny (Becky) Walker Jr., George (Sheila) Walker, Barbara Bartley, and Janice (Corkey) Irvin; nieces and nephews, Tirzah and Daniel Bartley, Tanesha and DJ Campbell, Montize Prince, Amber Franklin, Jasmine Ellis, and Ben (Lacy) Walker; and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Visitation will be 10:30am until funeral service at 11:15am, Saturday, November 5, 2022 at Symonds-Madison Funeral Home, 305 Park Street, Elgin, IL 60120.  Rev. Jon Badie will be officiating.

To access the funeral service remotely, loved ones are encouraged to log on safe from home via Zoom.us (Meeting ID: 860 3470 3651, Password: 481287).

Interment to follow at Bluff City Cemetery, 945 Bluff City Boulevard, Elgin, IL 60120.

Final arrangements entrusted to Symonds-Madison Funeral Home.  For more information, call 847-741-1128 or visit www.symondsmadison.com.